July 27, 2001 - Mike and Marilyn's 2001 TranAmerican Bike Tour

Missoula, Montana - layover day. No bicycle riding.

Odds and ends on a layover day in Missoula.

Today we had a good day sightseeing and catching up on rest and other business in Missoula, area population 70,000 and home of the University of Montana. Here are some odds and ends regarding the trip so far.

Number of bicycle rear-view mirrors broken when the bike fell over:

Mike - 3

Marilyn - 1

Number of bike shops we have visited so far on this trip:

18

Flat tires:

3

Most frequently asked questions from other travelers

Q - "What do you do if it rains?"

A - "That depends on the options."

Q - "How do you eat?"

A - "A lot and often."

Today's quote:

"To attack the pedals may be strenuous over the short run, but it is an expression of trust in one’s own powers, for with the bicycle everything depends on the self. Those who wish to control their own lives and move beyond the existence as mere clients and consumers – those people ride a bike." Wolfgang Sachs, in For Love of the Automobile.

Today's grandbaby picture:

Braden is now 11 months old. Being able to see him again motivates us to keep pedaling West to help celebrate his first birthday.

We're back on the road tomorrow to continue our trip toward Idaho, Oregon, and home.